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Tinubu Launches Agric Empowerment Programme In Yobe

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Tinubu Launches Agric Empowerment Programme In Yobe

…Restates firm resolve to create jobs, diversify Nigeria’s economy

By: Michael Mike

President Bola Tinubu has launched the Yobe State Agricultural Empowerment Programme in Damaturu, the state capital,
as part of efforts of his government to ensure food security and stimulate economic growth across Nigeria,

The initiative, which includes the provision of agricultural machinery and implements, is part of a broader national strategy to revolutionise Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

Speaking during the launch of the programme in Damaturu, Tinubu who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said the programme is at the heart of his administration’s ongoing efforts to enhance food security, create jobs, and diversify Nigeria’s economy through agriculture.

Tinubu stressed the critical role of agriculture in national development and security, saying “food is the heart of security in every society.”

He said: “It is the foundation upon which we build our health, our well-being, and our economic stability. There’s no way we are going to achieve our grand goals as a government, whether at the state or national level, until we support and empower our farmers.”

The President noted that apart from boosting agricultural output, the initiative also aims to engage more Nigerians in the nation’s economic life.

He reaffirmed government’s commitment to modernising the agricultural sector, including the livestock industry.

The President said the recently approved Ministry of Livestock Development is intended “to improve livestock production in the country and to change the destiny and narratives of our livestock production.”

On the shift towards modern farming techniques, the President said: “Each of us in this gathering must come to terms with the fact that the era of relying on rain-fed agriculture is gone. These machines are here to ease our practice of irrigation farming.”

The launch of the agric empowerment programme also saw the President approving Yobe State’s request for additional resources to support its agricultural ambitions.

These include “mini-rigs for tube wells, solar water pumps, agro-chemicals, power tillers, more fertilisers, and other farm implements to complement your irrigation scheme.”

Tinubu also addressed security concerns, assuring the audience that the government is “taking drastic measures to address the security challenges to make farmlands safe and accessible in every state of the federation.”

Shettima who represented the President at the event also visited the Emir of Damaturu, Alhaji Shehu Hashim II Ibn Umar Al-Amin El-Kanemi, to convey President Tinubu’s high regard for Yobe State and its people.

Shettima praised Governor Mai Mala Buni’s achievements, particularly in agricultural investments, emphasising the potential for agricultural mechanisation in the state.

Responding, the Emir of Damaturu expressed gratitude for President Tinubu’s support and appreciated the administration’s efforts towards national progress.

Earlier, Governor Buni of Yobe State reaffirmed the state’s support for the Tinubu administration, acknowledging the challenges faced by Yobe, particularly in the agricultural sector.

He said, “In spite of all the challenges, agriculture remains the major preoccupation of our people. With the improvement in security across the state, farmlands are now accessible in almost all the local government areas.”

The Governor mentioned several government initiatives to revitalize agriculture, including an Agricultural Summit, the constitution of a Steering Committee on Revitalization of Agriculture, and partnerships with organizations like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

He added that the state government, in collaboration with the federal government, has established Livestock Development Centres to address farmer-herdsmen clashes and boost meat and dairy production.

Buni also noted the revival of the 2000-hectare Lava Irrigation Scheme and the establishment of four Sesame Seeds processing factories across the state.

“This State Visit is no doubt a significant milestone as we launch the agricultural empowerment programme,” he added.

The items distributed include 100 Zoom Lion Tractors, 10 IMC Double Cabin 4-wheel drive vehicles for extension service supervision, 200 motorcycles for extension workers, 300 sets of ox-drawn ploughs, 5,349 small ruminants (goats), 1,349 hand-push planters, 889 hand-push plough machines, 590 hand-push tiller machines, 4,202 solar-powered irrigation water pumps, improved assorted seeds, and 72,000 bags of fertilizer.

Dignitaries present at the event include the Chairman of Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State; APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori; APC Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emma Eneukwu; Senator Osita Izunaso; former President of the Senate, Senator Ahmed Lawan; Rep. Khadijah Bukar Abba Ibrahim; Deputy Governor of Yobe State, Alhaji Idi Barde Gubana; Speaker of the Yobe State House of Assembly, Hon. Buba Chiroma-Mashio, and his Deputy, Hon. Ya’u Usman Dachia.

Also in attendance were the Yobe State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Mohammed Gadaka; Yobe State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Mohammed Gagiyo; former Special Adviser on Budget, Alhaji Sulieman Jamo; Emir Jajeri, Mai Hamza ibn Buba Mashio; Emir of Bade, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Sulaiman; Chief Judge of Yobe, Gumna Kashim Kaigama; Yobe State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ahmed Garba; members of the House of Representatives, Lawan Shettima, Fatima Talba and Tijjani Zanna Zakariyya, among others.

Tinubu Launches Agric Empowerment Programme In Yobe

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Crime

Two killed, two injured in Plateau mining route ambush

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Two killed, two injured in Plateau mining route ambush

By: Zagazola Makama

Atleast two killed and two others injured in an early morning ambush along a mining route in Rafin Bauna, Jos South Local Government Area of the state, plateau state.

Zagazola Makama was informed by sources that the incident occurred at about 5:20 a.m. on Sunday, June 8, when the victims were reportedly heading to a mining site near the Mai Farin Mota area.

Police sources confirmed that two corpses were discovered at the scene one identified as Kabiru Mohammed, and the other as David Danlami.

Two other victims, identified as Bilal Ibrahim and Ayobene Ahile, sustained varying degrees of gunshot injuries and were immediately evacuated to the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) for medical attention.

The police sources said preliminary investigation indicates that the victims were on their way to a mining site when they were ambushed and shot by yet-to-be-identified assailants,” the police said.

The sources further disclosed that a search and combing operation is ongoing in the surrounding bush areas to apprehend the attackers.

Two killed, two injured in Plateau mining route ambush

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Police arrest UMCN/GMCN pastors, members over violation of executive order in Taraba

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Police arrest UMCN/GMCN pastors, members over violation of executive order in Taraba

By: Zagazola Makama

The Taraba State Police Command has arrested two pastors and several members of the United Methodist Church of Nigeria/Global Mission Church of Nigeria (UMCN/GMCN) for allegedly violating an executive order banning their religious activities in the state.

The arrest, according to police sources, followed a reported defiance of the state government’s directive ordering the closure of all UMCN/GMCN church premises pending the resolution of leadership and security concerns linked to the factional crisis within the denomination.

A police sources who confirmed the development said the arrests took place at about 4:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 8, at Kasuwan Bera in Kofai Ward, Ardo-Kola Local Government Area.

According to the source, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Sunkani Division led personnel to the church premises based on credible intelligence that members of the banned faction were holding an early morning service in defiance of the closure order.

“Upon arrival, the officers met some GMCN members actively engaged in religious activity. Despite repeated warnings, they defied police directives and were subsequently arrested,” the PPRO said.

The situation escalated when one Rev. Beziel Yayuba Yoila and another unidentified pastor arrived at the scene and allegedly incited members to resist the police.

“The group started pelting officers with stones, prompting the DPO to call for reinforcement from the Department of Operations (DOPS). The reinforcements arrived swiftly, and both Rev. Beziel and the second pastor were arrested,” he said.

Items recovered from the vehicle of Rev. Beziel include a cutlass, a canister of Police Body Guard Tear Gas, and a rearing stick, all of which have been taken into custody for further investigation.

The suspects have since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Jalingo for discreet investigation, the PPRO added.

The Taraba State Government had earlier issued an executive order temporarily shutting down all UMCN/GMCN churches due to protracted leadership disputes and concerns over public safety.

Police arrest UMCN/GMCN pastors, members over violation of executive order in Taraba

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NIMC Sets to Commence Ward NIN Enrollment at Ward Level Nationwide

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NIMC Sets to Commence Ward NIN Enrollment at Ward Level Nationwide

By: Michael Mike

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced that all is ready for the commencement of enrollment into the National Identification Numbers (NINs) at ward level across the country.

This is in furtherance of NIMC’s plan, which has registered no fewer than 120 million Nigerians and given NINs to them, to get all Nigerians enrolled before the end of this year, 2025.

The Commission in a statement by its spokesman, Dr. Kayode Adegoke on Monday, said: “NIMC is set to commence ward-level enrollment across the country, a key component of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to strengthen the National Identity System.
 
NIMC DG/CEO, Engr. (Dr.) Abisoye Coker-Odusote has emphasized that the Commission aims to work with strategic partners to enrol and issue NINs to all Nigerians and legal residents in every ward, ensuring no one is left out.
 
Meanwhile, the Commission has successfully enrolled and issued National Identification Numbers (NINs) to 59,786 inmates across correctional centres in the country, in collaboration with the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to ensure inclusivity.
 
Adegoke said, “This initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aiming to enrol all Nigerians and legal residents.”
 
He noted that: “To date, 74% of inmates have been enrolled and issued NINs, with the remaining inmates to be enrolled in the ongoing inmate enrollment. NIMC appreciates the support of the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Comptroller-General, Mr. Nwakuche Ndidi, and the NCoS management and staff.”

NIMC Sets to Commence Ward NIN Enrollment at Ward Level Nationwide

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